The Multi-Tasking Myth: How to Really Get Stuff Done

"Most people are so busy knocking themselves out trying to do everything they think they should do, they never get around to what they want to do."--Kathleen Winsor

It's no secret--today's women are all about multi-tasking, which, as it turns out, is a big huge myth--in fact, the "multi-tasking myth" is a well-known thing these days. Some would call the idea of multi-tasking complete bullshit.

Whether we're work-at-home moms, stay-at-home moms, corporate career girls or retail clerks (or any number of acceptable roles we might choose), we're all doing about 50 things at any given time, am I right?

But as we all know all too well--distractions get in the way of progress! Too often, even the slightest distractions end up being the difference between achieving your goals and missing the mark.

It's important to remember that it doesn't make you BAD--just unfocused. And hey, it's natural for various emotions and events to cause your mind to stray. For example, I just moved out of the home I've lived in with my family for the past 11 years and into our dream home--and that's been keeping me very busy for about a month now. But it's important to avoid getting sidetracked for too long--for me and for you--because if you (and I) don't, we'll never get anything productive done. Well, not everything we need to get done, anyway.

Get Past the Multi-Tasking Myth: How to Really Get Stuff Done

Avoid Distractions to Achieve Your Goals

Take these steps to discipline your senses and give yourself the focus necessary to succeed:

Listen to music. As strange as it sounds, music can boost your ability to avoid distractions. But how does noise help you concentrate?

Studies have shown that classical music enhances visual attention. Subjects apparently focus better with classical music playing than they do in silence.

Listening to music also helps you make the most out of your workout. The music you listen to at the gym is really useful. It helps you focus on working out by taking your attention away from the discomfort.

Focus on one thing at a time. This step is a work in progress because we live in a world where multitasking is the norm. It’s easy to get caught up with doing more than one thing.

Your efforts to accomplish several things at the same time may be breaking your focus.

For the next few weeks, try to keep your tasks simple and one-dimensional. Aim to complete one thing before moving on to the other. Even if you feel underutilized in the process, try to stick to it.

By allowing your mind and senses to focus on only one thing, you'll be able to give it your undivided attention. Then, you’ll be able to successfully complete the task.

Avoid distracting situations. When you’re surrounded by things or people whose appeal you would rather explore than focusing on what you're currently doing, you’re setting yourself up for distractions.

A great example is studying in front of the television. In this situation, many of your senses are engaged in what you’re watching on TV, rather than on your studies. Find a quiet place to study, instead.

Let's say you have a deadline for work. Develop the discipline to tell your friends that partying is out of the question tonight. Learn to say “no” to distractions.

Consider the repercussions. A little conscious thinking is all it takes to maintain focus. Have you ever stopped to consider the repercussions of allowing distractions to take over? Surely you would be less than thrilled if great opportunities passed you by!

Learning how to balance your priorities will benefit you. How useful is that particular distraction going to be to you a few hours, days, or months from now? Probably useless. Focusing on what's important gives you lasting satisfaction.

Allowing distractions to consume your mind also leaves you open to other issues that can interfere with achieving your goals. It's possible that your mind can become lazy, impatient, and sometimes angry.

Great things are in store for you once you allow yourself to focus on your goals. Remember that your ultimate satisfaction comes from reaching your goals. If you maintain focus, success is sure to come your way!